The Austin Housing Finance Corporation allocated $10.9 million in Project Connect anti-displacement funding last week. The money will be divided among eight organizations, which were all existing Project Connect Community Initiated Solutions partners and will work to expand tenant stabilization, homeownership and anti-displacement measures near the planned rail route with the money. “Austin has a very unique opportunity. With public support and Project Connect Anti-Displacement funding, we are able to provide services to build the resiliency of Austin families in advance of the future transit investment. In the past, cities have responded after they have seen the devastating displacement impacts to vulnerable households. Yes, we are starting early, but it is essential if we want to protect Austin households,” said Nefertitti Jackmon, community displacement prevention officer, in a statement to the press.
Additional Community Initiated Solutions Funding
| Austin Voices for Education & Youth | $500,000 |
| Communities in Schools of Central Texas | $2,000,000 |
| Del Valle Community Coalition | $1,225,000 |
| El Buen Samaritano | $1,000,000 |
| Goodwill Industries of Central Texas | $1,725,000 |
| Interfaith Action of Central Texas | $975,000 |
| Meals on Wheels Central Texas | $1,475,000 |
| Texas RioGrande Legal Aid | $2,000,000 |
| TOTAL | $10,900,000 |